Today, July 21, 2022, Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) released the following statement after voting NO on H.R. 8373, the Right to Contraception Act.

“As a physician and former Iowa Director of Public Health, I recognize the need for increased access to affordable oral contraceptives and common-sense legislation that both increases availability and protects women’s health. As an Iowa State Senator, I was proud to introduce a bill to allow women over the age of 18 to access over-the-counter oral contraceptives in the state of Iowa, and I am proud to champion the same cause in the U.S. House of Representatives by joining Representative Hinson in introducing the Allowing Greater Access to Safe and Effective Contraception Act. I am also proud to cosponsor of the Access to Safe Contraception Act, which would guarantee women have access to contraception while still upholding the moral and religious beliefs of healthcare providers” said Miller-Meeks. “However, I do not support H.R. 8373 because this bill permits non-FDA approved agents and devices that would put women’s health at risk. This legislation also eliminates conscience protection laws and singles out that all providers would be required to administer contraceptives despite their moral or religious beliefs. I believe that it is important to protect health care workers and allow them to make decisions according to their sincerely held beliefs.”

Original source can be found here